Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Salina Cruz. Daughter of a "mayordoma" (autorithy of a Vela) in a chapel. The tehuanas are the archetype of an ancient and legendary Mexico, told in the murales of Diego Rivera and impersonated also by Frida Kalho that often wore these traditional dresses. But these showy dresses, and the rich golden ornaments that accompany them, are above all an instrument of auto-representatiom for these active women which the control of the local markets confers an independent economic power that is reflected in the self confidence. Even in the development of the festivities, where the women often dance a lot among them while the men remain seated watching.